What to serve with char siu pork? Doesn’t it sound like the comfort food of your dreams? The Char Siu is a Chinese dish that is incredibly easy to prepare and heavenly to eat. However, the best part about the dish is that it can be easily paired with many side dishes and pairings, thus offering versatility according to your mood. So, before you drool hopelessly, let us take a look at what the dish is all about and what makes it so special.
Understanding Char Siu Pork
Essentially, this is a Chinese Barbeque Pork dish that is both Sweet and Savory; it sounds like a dream come true, isn’t it? After all, here is a dish that is all things good: meaty, juicy, spicy, and sweet. The dish is prepared from Pork Belly traditionally. However, you can also opt for some modern less-fat meat cuts like Pork Shoulders. Usually, this dish is served with White Rice, but there are also various ways to enjoy this savory dish. However, this is one of the most versatile dishes and can be clubbed with any and many side dishes and still enjoyed in all its flavors.
Traditionally, Char Siu pork is prepared by marinating it with the required ingredients overnight or for 6 hours. The meat is roasted the next day over a wired rack with a water bath underneath. This is the trick to ensure that the slender pieces of meat remain juicy and charred simultaneously! However, the trick is to flame-blast the meat every 10 minutes. And Voila! Your dinner is almost ready. Now, if you are a meat-lover like me, you’d want to dig into the dish immediately. But there are plenty of ways to enjoy Char Siu Pork. Let us take a look at some of the side dishes.
Classic Pairings for Char Siu Pork
What to have with char siu pork? Well, there are plenty of options; here are some best ones to consider:
Steamed Rice: That goes without saying. As mentioned earlier, this is the traditional method of enjoying the classic dish. Nothing is more comforting than a nice steaming bowl of simple steamed rice and Char Siu Pork.
Steamed Buns (Char Siu Bao): Not a fan of rice? Well, you can easily slide the Char Siu into a couple of steamed buns. The nice and soft buns are a good combination with the chewy and spicy Char Siu.
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan): Chinese Broccoli offers the kind of balance we all crave when consuming meat. Also known as Gai Lan, it offers a mildly bitter taste which you can easily balance with a bit of Oyster Sauce.
Pickled Vegetables: Have you tried combining some deliciously pickled veggies with the Char Siu Pork? It tastes divine, to say the least. We suggest some pickled Carrots and Daikon commonly seen with the Vietnamese classic banh mi. These pickles work great with the sweet and sticky sauces of the dish, and you get a dish ready instantly.
Mouthwatering Side Dishes to Serve With Char Siu Pork
Let us take a look at some popular dishes to serve with char siu pork.
1. Egg Noodles: A Delicious Noodle Pairing
This is perhaps one of the best ways to make an entire meal out of Char Siu Pork. All you need to do is get some Hong Kong noodles, also known as the thin egg-based noodles that have been stir-fried, along with your favorite veggies and Soy Sauce. Now simply club them with Char Siu Pork, and you have a nice delicious meal ready.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful and Crisp Accompaniments
Not only is this delicious to eat, but it is also a delight to the eyes. All you need to do is stir fry some mixed veggies in minimum oil and sauces of your choice. Now simply dash the Char Siu slices into the pan, stir them together, and have a nice colorful delicacy.
3. Pineapple Fried Rice: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Sounds ‘strange’? Well, you are in for a pleasant surprise, as this is perhaps one of the best ways to make a simple Char Siu into a fancy dish. The Pineapple Fried Rice is your classic fried rice recipe loaded with Pineapples and some Shrimp for that crunch and is balanced with garlic, Chili, and Soy sauce. Add the Char Siu to this, and you will surely be eating more than just one bowl.
4. Sesame Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing Contrast to Char Siu Pork
Another classic and a favorite, also known as the Pai huang gua, offers a flash of freshness and tanginess along with the meaty delight of Char Siu Pork. Here the trick is to smash the Cucumbers instead of slicing them to offer ragged edges that hold and absorb the tangy dressing.
Fusion and Creative Combinations
As mentioned earlier, the dish is versatile and can be crafted into almost any other dish that you fancy at the moment. Here are some of our star favorites:
1. Char Siu Tacos or Sliders
Rinse the dried sea moss thoroughly to remove any debris.Step 1: Prepare the Char Siu by first marinating it overnight and then roasting them in the water bath the next day.
S
Mix in the Shred Pork, along with the remaining Sauces and the rest of the juices from the previous cooking, if any.
Mix in the ingredients of the Slaw and keep it aside.
Take the Buns, and top them with the Pineapple Chunks, Pulled Pork, Slaw, Green Onions, and the other top of the bun. And your dish is ready
Ingredients
Directions
Rinse the dried sea moss thoroughly to remove any debris.Step 1: Prepare the Char Siu by first marinating it overnight and then roasting them in the water bath the next day.
S
Mix in the Shred Pork, along with the remaining Sauces and the rest of the juices from the previous cooking, if any.
Mix in the ingredients of the Slaw and keep it aside.
Take the Buns, and top them with the Pineapple Chunks, Pulled Pork, Slaw, Green Onions, and the other top of the bun. And your dish is ready
2. Char Siu Fried Rice Burritos
As instructed previously, prepare the Char Siu by marinating the Pork meat with the marinade and cooking it the next day.
Now it is time to do some real serious chopping and get the veggies ready. Take a large pan, and add oil. Now add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add Butter, Ginger, and cooked rice. Give it a good stir and break two eggs right into the middle of the preparation. Break them up and give them a good stir to cook everything up.
Now add the Char Siu pork that has been cut to more straightforward sizes into the Veggie rice, and you are done.
Ingredients
Directions
As instructed previously, prepare the Char Siu by marinating the Pork meat with the marinade and cooking it the next day.
Now it is time to do some real serious chopping and get the veggies ready. Take a large pan, and add oil. Now add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add Butter, Ginger, and cooked rice. Give it a good stir and break two eggs right into the middle of the preparation. Break them up and give them a good stir to cook everything up.
Now add the Char Siu pork that has been cut to more straightforward sizes into the Veggie rice, and you are done.
3. Char Siu Ramen or Udon
Prepare the Char Siu Pork as mentioned previously
Prepare the Noodles as instructed in a pan/bowl/cooking pot
Pour the Soup ingredients into the same bowl
Pour the Soup ingredients into the same bowl
Now add the bok choy and bean sprouts, and cook for 2 minutes.
Now simply divide into serving bowls and top each with the Char Siu pork slices, garnish with Green Onions.
Ingredients
Directions
Prepare the Char Siu Pork as mentioned previously
Prepare the Noodles as instructed in a pan/bowl/cooking pot
Pour the Soup ingredients into the same bowl
Pour the Soup ingredients into the same bowl
Now add the bok choy and bean sprouts, and cook for 2 minutes.
Now simply divide into serving bowls and top each with the Char Siu pork slices, garnish with Green Onions.
4. Char Siu Pizza
What to serve with char siu pork? Doesn’t it sound like the comfort food of your dreams? The Char Siu is a Chinese dish that is incredibly easy to prepare and heavenly to eat. However, the best part about the dish is that it can be easily paired with many side dishes and pairings, thus offering versatility according to your mood. So, before you drool hopelessly, let us take a look at what the dish is all about and what makes it so special.
Understanding Char Siu Pork
Essentially, this is a Chinese Barbeque Pork dish that is both Sweet and Savory; it sounds like a dream come true, isn’t it? After all, here is a dish that is all things good: meaty, juicy, spicy, and sweet. The dish is prepared from Pork Belly traditionally. However, you can also opt for some modern less-fat meat cuts like Pork Shoulders. Usually, this dish is served with White Rice, but there are also various ways to enjoy this savory dish. However, this is one of the most versatile dishes and can be clubbed with any and many side dishes and still enjoyed in all its flavors.
Traditionally, Char Siu pork is prepared by marinating it with the required ingredients overnight or for 6 hours. The meat is roasted the next day over a wired rack with a water bath underneath. This is the trick to ensure that the slender pieces of meat remain juicy and charred simultaneously! However, the trick is to flame-blast the meat every 10 minutes. And Voila! Your dinner is almost ready. Now, if you are a meat-lover like me, you’d want to dig into the dish immediately. But there are plenty of ways to enjoy Char Siu Pork. Let us take a look at some of the side dishes.
Classic Pairings for Char Siu Pork
What to have with char siu pork? Well, there are plenty of options; here are some best ones to consider:
Steamed Rice: That goes without saying. As mentioned earlier, this is the traditional method of enjoying the classic dish. Nothing is more comforting than a nice steaming bowl of simple steamed rice and Char Siu Pork.
Steamed Buns (Char Siu Bao): Not a fan of rice? Well, you can easily slide the Char Siu into a couple of steamed buns. The nice and soft buns are a good combination with the chewy and spicy Char Siu.
Chinese Broccoli (Gai Lan): Chinese Broccoli offers the kind of balance we all crave when consuming meat. Also known as Gai Lan, it offers a mildly bitter taste which you can easily balance with a bit of Oyster Sauce.
Pickled Vegetables: Have you tried combining some deliciously pickled veggies with the Char Siu Pork? It tastes divine, to say the least. We suggest some pickled Carrots and Daikon commonly seen with the Vietnamese classic banh mi. These pickles work great with the sweet and sticky sauces of the dish, and you get a dish ready instantly.
Mouthwatering Side Dishes to Serve With Char Siu Pork
Let us take a look at some popular dishes to serve with char siu pork.
1. Egg Noodles: A Delicious Noodle Pairing
This is perhaps one of the best ways to make an entire meal out of Char Siu Pork. All you need to do is get some Hong Kong noodles, also known as the thin egg-based noodles that have been stir-fried, along with your favorite veggies and Soy Sauce. Now simply club them with Char Siu Pork, and you have a nice delicious meal ready.
2. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful and Crisp Accompaniments
Not only is this delicious to eat, but it is also a delight to the eyes. All you need to do is stir fry some mixed veggies in minimum oil and sauces of your choice. Now simply dash the Char Siu slices into the pan, stir them together, and have a nice colorful delicacy.
3. Pineapple Fried Rice: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Sounds ‘strange’? Well, you are in for a pleasant surprise, as this is perhaps one of the best ways to make a simple Char Siu into a fancy dish. The Pineapple Fried Rice is your classic fried rice recipe loaded with Pineapples and some Shrimp for that crunch and is balanced with garlic, Chili, and Soy sauce. Add the Char Siu to this, and you will surely be eating more than just one bowl.
4. Sesame Cucumber Salad: A Refreshing Contrast to Char Siu Pork
Another classic and a favorite, also known as the Pai huang gua, offers a flash of freshness and tanginess along with the meaty delight of Char Siu Pork. Here the trick is to smash the Cucumbers instead of slicing them to offer ragged edges that hold and absorb the tangy dressing.
Fusion and Creative Combinations
As mentioned earlier, the dish is versatile and can be crafted into almost any other dish that you fancy at the moment. Here are some of our star favorites:
1. Char Siu Tacos or Sliders
Rinse the dried sea moss thoroughly to remove any debris.Step 1: Prepare the Char Siu by first marinating it overnight and then roasting them in the water bath the next day.
S
Mix in the Shred Pork, along with the remaining Sauces and the rest of the juices from the previous cooking, if any.
Mix in the ingredients of the Slaw and keep it aside.
Take the Buns, and top them with the Pineapple Chunks, Pulled Pork, Slaw, Green Onions, and the other top of the bun. And your dish is ready
Ingredients
Directions
Rinse the dried sea moss thoroughly to remove any debris.Step 1: Prepare the Char Siu by first marinating it overnight and then roasting them in the water bath the next day.
S
Mix in the Shred Pork, along with the remaining Sauces and the rest of the juices from the previous cooking, if any.
Mix in the ingredients of the Slaw and keep it aside.
Take the Buns, and top them with the Pineapple Chunks, Pulled Pork, Slaw, Green Onions, and the other top of the bun. And your dish is ready
2. Char Siu Fried Rice Burritos
As instructed previously, prepare the Char Siu by marinating the Pork meat with the marinade and cooking it the next day.
Now it is time to do some real serious chopping and get the veggies ready. Take a large pan, and add oil. Now add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add Butter, Ginger, and cooked rice. Give it a good stir and break two eggs right into the middle of the preparation. Break them up and give them a good stir to cook everything up.
Now add the Char Siu pork that has been cut to more straightforward sizes into the Veggie rice, and you are done.
Ingredients
Directions
As instructed previously, prepare the Char Siu by marinating the Pork meat with the marinade and cooking it the next day.
Now it is time to do some real serious chopping and get the veggies ready. Take a large pan, and add oil. Now add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add Butter, Ginger, and cooked rice. Give it a good stir and break two eggs right into the middle of the preparation. Break them up and give them a good stir to cook everything up.
Now add the Char Siu pork that has been cut to more straightforward sizes into the Veggie rice, and you are done.
3. Char Siu Ramen or Udon
Prepare the Char Siu Pork as mentioned previously
Prepare the Noodles as instructed in a pan/bowl/cooking pot
Pour the Soup ingredients into the same bowl
Pour the Soup ingredients into the same bowl
Now add the bok choy and bean sprouts, and cook for 2 minutes.
Now simply divide into serving bowls and top each with the Char Siu pork slices, garnish with Green Onions.
Ingredients
Directions
Prepare the Char Siu Pork as mentioned previously
Prepare the Noodles as instructed in a pan/bowl/cooking pot
Pour the Soup ingredients into the same bowl
Pour the Soup ingredients into the same bowl
Now add the bok choy and bean sprouts, and cook for 2 minutes.
Now simply divide into serving bowls and top each with the Char Siu pork slices, garnish with Green Onions.
4. Char Siu Pizza
Start by evenly spreading the Pizza sauce all over the base.
Now spread the Cheese over this, followed by the Capsicum, Char Siu Pork, Red Onions, and the other sliced greens.
Bake in an oven at 250 C for 6 minutes. And you are done.
Ingredients
Directions
Start by evenly spreading the Pizza sauce all over the base.
Now spread the Cheese over this, followed by the Capsicum, Char Siu Pork, Red Onions, and the other sliced greens.
Bake in an oven at 250 C for 6 minutes. And you are done.
Tips for the Perfect Char Siu Pork Meal
Now that you know about how versatile Char Siu is, it is time to take into account some tips that can take your cooking to the next level:
- It is recommended to place the Pork on a rack above the pan with steaming water. This is to ensure that the meat remains moist.
- Ensure that you use enough marinade and keep pouring a few spoonfuls during the cooking process.
- Blast the cooking regularly every 10 minutes for that signature taste and flavor.
- Be sure to use Honey or Longan Honey for that honey-glazed Char Siu Pork experience.
- The Pork cut fat and meat ratio should be 1: 1.
- You can use Shoulder meat, neck, or belly as well.
- It is best to use the Pork belly for this recipe as the other meat varieties are much leaner.
Embracing Culinary Creativity
Meat lovers know it is perhaps one of the most versatile foods ever. You can quickly whip up practically any dish by using the good old meat. Char Siu Pork is just that, and it can also be used in a wide variety of ways. Get creative and use your imagination to whip up your Char Siu Pork meat recipe. Be it a meal bowl, a slider, tacos, noodles, or rolls, there is a recipe for every occasion, mood, and season.
While the dish’s main ingredient and method of preparation remain the same, it is, however, the various manners in which you can easily make it your own. The best part about the recipe is that it is so simple to prepare.
What to Serve with Char Siu Pork?: Conclusion
Char Siu Pork is a traditional Cantonese dish that has been a main Chinese dish for a long time. While the most popular forms of Chinese cuisine are usually associated with Noodles, Fried Rice, and Manchurian, however, it is this marinated and roast recipe that is much loved as well. You can get creative with your meat choices and prepare the dish using other forms of meat as well. Now, it is time to get moving and prepare this bowl of nice sweet, spicy, and savory delight and enjoy it curled on your sofa on a cold Winter night.
What to Serve with Char Siu Pork?: FAQ's
Question 1.What Cut of Pork is Best for Char Siu?
Answer: The Pork Belly is the best cut.
Question 2. Can I Make Char Siu with Chicken or Beef Instead?
Answer: Yes, absolutely.
Question 3. How Do I Store Leftover Char Siu Pork?
Answer: Freeze them up wrapped in a freezer bag, and you can store them for one month.
Question 4. Can I Freeze Char Siu Pork for Later Use?
Answer: Yes, you can.
Question 5. What Sauces or Condiments Can I Serve with Char Siu Pork?
Answer: The Plum Sauce is perfect with Char Siu Pork, Sweet and Sour Chinese sauce, and Mustard Sauce.
Question 6. Is Char Siu Pork Spicy?
Answer: No, it is only mildly spicy.
Question 7. How Can I Adjust the Sweetness or Saltiness of Char Siu Pork?
Answers: Use a regular Soy sauce, as it beautifully balances the marinade’s sweetness and saltiness.
Question 8. Can I Reuse the Char Siu Marinade?
Answers: Yes, it can be reused.